Definition: All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; [because] thy sins were increased.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 30:14. It's a really powerful and somewhat sobering passage about God’s judgment on a people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is deeply disappointed with the people of Israel. He feels they have been selfish, hurtful to each other, and have fallen into serious wrongdoing. He's essentially saying that they’ve lost their connection with Him and are drifting away from God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “All thy lovers have forgotten thee…” : This means the people have stopped loving God. They've abandoned their faith, their relationship with Him, and their devotion to His word. It suggests a lack of connection and affection towards God. “…they seek thee not…” : This is a key part. They aren’t looking for Him; they are ignoring or rejecting Him. They seem lost and unaware of the goodness He offers. “for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one…” : This is where it gets more intense. God is describing a painful experience – a “wound” – inflicted upon them by His anger and punishment. He’s likened to a "cruel one" – meaning someone who deliberately harms others. This wound represents their sin and wrongdoings. “…for the multitude of thine iniquity…” : “Iniquity” means wickedness, moral failings, or sins. The verse says that they have committed many sins. It’s a large number of wrongs. So, putting it all together: God is deeply saddened by the people's behavior – their selfishness, their rejection of Him, and their persistent wrongdoing. He feels like He has intentionally hurt them with their mistakes. What does this mean for us? This verse reminds us that: God’s love is precious. He doesn't just want to be with us; He wants our relationship with Him to be strong and close. We are responsible for our actions. Our choices have consequences, and we must turn away from sin and seek God’s forgiveness. God is just and merciful. Even though we make mistakes, He continues to love us and offer a chance for redemption. Important Note: This verse isn't about our individual failings – it’s about the overall situation of the nation as a whole. It’s a warning about the importance of living righteously and seeking God's guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific story or event in Bible history? Offer some practical ways to apply these principles to our lives?